A beautiful and authentic Raleigh newborn, maternity or family session, with cohesive perfectly styled outfits, without the stress of buying one time outfits for your entire family.
An easy laid back luxury experience, with me reducing your mental load and taking all the stress off you so you can focus on time with your children!
Beautiful custom artwork that captures the essence and spirit of your family, meant to be handed down through the generations.
A supportive cheerleader who has been in your shoes before ready to serve you throughout the entire process!
Let's plan a session that truly reflects who you are. After a relaxed baby/child led session, I'll create custom wall galleries and heirloom albums, turning your moments into lifelong treasures. I can't wait to help you fill your walls with precious family memories so when you look back in ten tears you will be able to remember and relive all the emotions that took place during this sweet time!
As a Raleigh newborn photographer I serve the Triangle area, but live in Apex, NC with my family. I’m a wife, mama of 2, and dog mama! As a mom I know the mental load we all carry which is why I make it my mission to serve you and make the experience as stress free as possible so you can focus on loving your littles and taking in all the sweet moments with them.
"We had a wonderful family photo session with Kristin!! We have two littles (3 & 5), and she was so great at engaging with them and keeping the shoot interesting and fun for them."
"Working with Kristin was fantastic! She made the experience feel so comfortable for my husband and I - two people who do not like taking photos. We both left the shoot on a high, feeling so happy and energized.
"Kristin is magical behind the camera. She gets shots that you didn’t think could happen and makes the entire process effortless. 10/10 highly recommend Kristin. You won’t be disappointed!"
If you’re anything like me, by the time spring rolls around, you’re itching to get OUT of the house. The kids are bouncing off the walls, the weather is finally cooperating, and suddenly, everything is blooming like crazy. It’s the perfect time to grab your crew and head outside—but here’s the best part: there are so many incredible places around Raleigh (and Apex) that don’t cost a dime to enjoy.
As a Raleigh family photographer (and mom who loves a good outing), I’m constantly scouting for spots where families can let loose, explore, and make some sweet memories. So, here are a few of my tried-and-true favorites for spring that are easy on the wallet and big on fun.
I always recommend this spot to families, especially in the spring when everything is popping with color. The WRAL Azalea Garden feels like one of Raleigh’s best-kept secrets, tucked right next to the WRAL studios. It’s not huge, which I actually love because it’s super manageable for younger kiddos (no “I’m tired” meltdown halfway through your walk). The winding paths, benches, and blooming azaleas make it feel like you’ve stumbled into a storybook.
As a photographer, I can tell you this garden is absolutely gorgeous for spring family photos, but it’s also just a sweet spot to slow down and enjoy a quiet afternoon. Bonus points if you bring snacks—there are plenty of shady little nooks to stop and have a mini picnic.
Ah, Dorothea Dix—this one’s a classic. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, it never gets old. The wide-open fields, skyline views, and rolling hills make it feel like the perfect “let’s spread out a blanket and let the kids run wild” spot. And in late spring, the fields start blooming and it’s chef’s kiss.
We’ve spent countless afternoons here just playing tag, blowing bubbles, or tossing a frisbee. And if you’re a dog family like we are, it’s super pet-friendly! I also love how versatile this park is—you can do everything from flying a kite to just soaking in the city views.
If your family loves gardens (or even if you just like a pretty place to walk), the JC Raulston Arboretum is such a gem. It’s free, and it’s full of hidden corners, themed gardens, and enough winding paths to keep the kids curious. My littles love exploring the Japanese Garden and finding all the little “secret” spots under the trees.
And if you’re anything like me and you love a spot that looks beautiful AND wears the kids out, this one is a win-win. Honestly, it’s also one of my favorite places to bring families when I’m working as an Apex family photographer—it has that perfect mix of cultivated beauty and natural charm.
Okay, hear me out: The NC Museum of Art Park might just be Raleigh’s most underrated family outing. Yes, the art museum itself is fantastic (and free!), but behind it is a massive park filled with miles of trails, sculptures, and open spaces where the kids can actually touch the art. It’s basically part playground, part hiking trail, part outdoor gallery.
We’ve spent entire mornings here wandering, discovering new sculptures, and letting the kids just… be kids. And if you pack a lunch, there are plenty of shady spots to sit and enjoy it. This one feels like a breath of fresh air every time we visit—and the creativity it sparks in kids (and adults!) is so fun to watch.
I’ll be honest—spring is my absolute favorite season to get outdoors with my family and with my clients. Everything feels fresh, green, and just a little bit magical this time of year. So whether you’re out on a casual Saturday adventure or thinking about scheduling a session, these Raleigh (and Apex) spots are some of the best places to soak it all in.
And if you’re ready to capture all that spring goodness in photos, I’d be so excited to help! As a Raleigh family photographer (and Apex family photographer, too), I’m now booking for the season and would love to plan something fun and easy for your crew.
Get in touch here and let’s start planning your perfect spring session!
As a Raleigh newborn photographer and a mom myself, I know how big of a transition those early newborn days can be—especially when it comes to breastfeeding. Whether it’s your first or your third baby, feeding challenges can pop up and it’s so helpful to have the right support. One of the best resources for new parents? A trusted lactation consultant.
I always love sharing local gems with my families, so today I’m highlighting three wonderful lactation consultants in the Apex and Raleigh area who can help you navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding with confidence.
I’ve personally used The Better Boob, and I can’t recommend them enough! A friend recommended them to me, and I actually messaged them while I was still in the hospital before being discharged. Less than 36 hours later, their amazing team was sitting with me in the comfort of my own bedroom, helping me navigate those early feeding struggles.
They’re a team of IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) offering in-home, office, and virtual consults—which is such a gift when you’ve got a fresh little one and you’re still recovering. Their approach is incredibly supportive and judgment-free, and they’re pros at helping with everything from latching issues, tongue ties and supply concerns to pumping plans. Their calm energy and practical, real-world advice make them a go-to for so many new moms in the Triangle (including me!).
Website: thebetterboob.com
If you delivered at or near WakeMed, their Lactation Services are such a helpful resource. WakeMed offers outpatient breastfeeding support, including private consultations and group classes. Their IBCLCs are experienced in helping families through a wide range of feeding challenges, and their convenient Raleigh location is great for families on that side of town. Plus, they work closely with your pediatrician to create a plan that works for you and your baby.
Website: wakemed.org
Chelsea Simpson is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and the heart behind Healthy Latch, serving families across Lillington and beyond. She makes expert lactation support super accessible with virtual and text-based services—so you can literally pull out your phone and get the help you need, when you need it. Whether you’re dealing with nipple pain, pumping struggles, or just looking for a little extra encouragement, Chelsea is ready to support you.
She also runs The Milk Lounge, a monthly mom’s group in Lillington where you can make connections and find your village (because we all need one!). And for parents who love learning on their own time, her self-paced breastfeeding course, Feeding Your Baby, is a wonderful resource you can dive into anytime.
Website: healthylatch.com
Whether you’re looking for a little troubleshooting help or ongoing breastfeeding support, these three consultants can make all the difference in your postpartum journey.
And as your go-to Apex newborn photographer and Raleigh newborn photographer, I’m always here to make those early memories stress-free and special—snuggly baby, sleepy smiles, and all.
Want more local recommendations or ready to book your newborn session? Let’s chat here!
Bringing a new baby into the world is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming—especially for new moms navigating postpartum emotions. As a Raleigh newborn photographer and Raleigh family photographer, I have the privilege of working with so many incredible moms, and I know firsthand how important it is to have support during this season of life.
When I became a mom (during the peak of COVID in January 2021), I spent months meticulously preparing—setting up the nursery, picking out the perfect diaper bag and stroller, and making sure every little detail was just right. (First-time mom me would be appalled to learn that, after giving away all my old diaper bags, I completely forgot to get a new one and ended up bringing a plastic Target bag to my son’s first pediatrician appointment.) But what I didn’t prepare for was the sheer exhaustion, the panic, or the isolation that came with those early newborn days.
I wasn’t prepared for the pure rage I’d feel hearing my husband snore peacefully at 3 a.m. while I sat feeding a baby. Or the terrifying moments of waking up in a panic, frantically searching my bed for a newborn who was safely sleeping in the bassinet next to me. Or how being nap-trapped in a dark nursery with a sound machine humming in the background could feel like the loneliest place in the world. First-time mom me would have never believed that the postpartum period doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending cycle of exhaustion and existential crises. But with the right mental health support (and maybe a few more naps), it can be less about survival mode and more about actually enjoying those newborn snuggles.
Finding the right mental health support can make all the difference, and I want to share some amazing maternal mental health providers in the Raleigh area who are dedicated to helping moms through postpartum challenges.
Robin was an absolute game-changer for me. She specializes in perinatal and postpartum mental health, offering a compassionate and supportive space to navigate the ups and downs of the transition to motherhood. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or just need guidance, Robin provides tools and strategies to help you feel more like yourself again. I truly cannot recommend her enough! To learn more about her practice click here.
Waypoint Counseling is home to a team of therapists and nurse practitioners who specialize in maternal mental health. They offer therapy and medication management for postpartum depression, anxiety, and birth trauma, and they create a welcoming environment for moms who need support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just not like yourself, reaching out to Waypoint Counseling could be a life-changing step.
To learn more about waypoint counseling click here.
Fermata Counseling is another wonderful resource for moms in the Raleigh area. Sarah Szymanowsk’s provides clients with a person centered approach. In addition to the the perinatal continuum encompassing trying to conceive through postpartum/early parenthood , and all the unexpected hurdles in between: fertility challenges, miscarriage, pregnancy struggles, birth trauma, relationship changes, and more. She also has group therapy for parenting with the loss of your own parent and a music therapy group.
Specializing in maternal and perinatal mental health, Anchored Counseling Services offers a safe and judgment-free space for moms to express their struggles and receive the support they need. They focus on helping women through the emotional shifts that come with motherhood, whether it’s anxiety, depression, or simply the stress of adjusting to a new season.
Erin Spahr is a therapist passionate about supporting mothers. Her practice focuses on postpartum mental health, identity shifts in motherhood, and the emotional load that so many moms carry. She helps women find confidence and peace as they navigate the challenges of raising little ones. Erin also hots the Feminist Moms Podcast.
If you’re struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed, please know that you are not alone. There is no shame in seeking help—it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family. Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also hard, and having the right support makes all the difference.
As a Raleigh newborn photographer, I want my clients to feel cared for beyond just their photo sessions. If you ever need resources or just someone to remind you that you’re doing an amazing job, I’m here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum mental health, I highly recommend reaching out to one of these incredible providers. Motherhood is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone.